Pramesh S Jain
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) has busted a large interstate network involved in producing adulterated ghee in Tamilnadu,packing it in fake Nandini-branded sachets and bottles,and distributing it across Bengaluru.
Four accused have been arrested,and 8,136 litres of adulterated ghee worth Rs.1.26 crore have been seized.
According to officials,the accused exploited the high demand for Nandini ghee in Karnataka by preparing spurious ghee using coconut and palm oil in Tamilnadu and supplying it to their Bengaluru counterparts,who held official KMF licences.
These licence-holders allegedly distributed the counterfeit product to wholesale shops, retail outlets, and Nandini parlours across the city at full market price.
Acting on intelligence gathered by the CCB Special Investigation Squad and the KMF Vigilance Wing,a joint team conducted raids on November 14 at the godowns, shops,and vehicles of Krishna Enterprises in Nanjamba Agrahara,Chamarajpet.
A vehicle transporting adulterated ghee from Tamilnadu, packed in fake Nandini sachets and bottles,was also intercepted,and its driver detained.
Police seized five mobile phones used in the crime,four Bolero goods vehicles worth Rs.60 lakh, Rs.1,19,640 in cash,machinery used to manufacture the fake ghee,and large quantities of coconut and palm oil.
The total value of seized property is estimated at Rs.1,26,95,200.
A case has been registered at the CCB Special Investigation Division.Further investigations are on.
